MP's Mugabe call

Europe, the United States and African countries should form an international coalition to put maximum pressure on Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram said today.

Europe, the United States and African countries should form an international coalition to put maximum pressure on Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram said today.

Mr Ancram welcomed the European Union's decision last night to impose so-called smart sanctions against Mr Mugabe's government after months of "dithering", but said action should be extended to the wider world.

He said the US should join the EU in the sanctions and that the Commonwealth should further pressure Mr Mugabe, whose government has described the move as "economic terrorism".

Zimbabwe today condemned the sanctions and accused Europe of orchestrating "hostile action" to influence elections early next month.